Clinical Reference

Oral Pathogen
Library

The bacteria living in your mouth don't stay there. Evidence-based profiles of the pathogens linked to heart disease, Alzheimer's, pregnancy complications, and infertility — and how salivary testing identifies them.

The Power 15: Key Oral Pathogens

Standard dental visits detect cavities and gum disease. They rarely identify which specific bacteria are present, how virulent they are, or where else in your body they may be causing harm. These profiles close that gap.

Porphyromonas gingivalis
Keystone Periodontal Pathogen
High Risk

The most extensively studied oral pathogen in systemic disease. Drives periodontal destruction, evades immune surveillance, and has been recovered from atherosclerotic plaques, Alzheimer's brain tissue, and the placenta.

Alzheimer's Disease Cardiovascular Disease Preterm Birth Systemic Inflammation
Full Profile
Streptococcus mutans
Primary Cavity Pathogen
High Risk

The dominant driver of dental caries through acid production and biofilm engineering. Increasingly linked to infective endocarditis and detected in atherosclerotic plaques via collagen-binding surface proteins.

Dental Caries Infective Endocarditis Cardiovascular Disease Biofilm Dysbiosis
Full Profile
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Periodontal Bridge Species
High Risk

A master bridge-builder in oral biofilm that invades human cells and travels to distant sites. Found in the placenta during preterm birth, in colorectal tumors, and linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes independent of periodontal status.

Preterm Birth Colorectal Cancer Pregnancy Complications Biofilm Mediation
Full Profile
Coming Soon
Treponema denticola
Red Complex — Periodontal Pathogen

Co-virulence partner of P. gingivalis in severe periodontitis. Degrades tissue via proteases and is detected in systemic disease alongside the red complex triad.

Coming Soon
Tannerella forsythia
Red Complex — Periodontal Pathogen

Third member of the red complex triad. Produces enzymes that destroy connective tissue and evades complement detection. High diagnostic value for aggressive periodontitis.

Coming Soon
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Aggressive Periodontitis Pathogen

Leukotoxin-producing species associated with aggressive periodontitis in younger patients and with elevated cardiovascular risk in prospective cohort studies.

Know Which Pathogens Are Present

A salivary diagnostic panel identifies your specific bacterial load — not just whether you have gum disease, but which organisms are driving it and what systemic risks they create. Dr. Najafi reviews results and recommends targeted treatment.

Book a $150 Consultation Free Salivary Warning Signs Guide

Related Reading

Fertility

The Oral-Fertility Connection

How periodontal pathogens — including P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum — contribute to unexplained infertility and pregnancy loss.
Diagnostics

Salivary Diagnostics 101

How OralDNA salivary panels work, what they measure, and how Dr. Najafi interprets results to guide systemic health decisions.
Treatment

Best Oral Probiotics Guide

Competitive inhibition as a therapeutic strategy — which strains counter periodontal pathogens and what the research supports.